Role of LHINs to expand under new health action plan, local MPP calls for halt until LHINs are fully reviewed

Part of the province’s new action plan for health care involves strengthening the role of Local Health Integration Networks.

Health minister Deb Matthews announced that the province’s 14 LHINs will now be responsible for coordinating patient care.

Losing no time, the Erie-St. Clair LHIN announced on Friday that Dr. Martin Lees has been named as the Primary Care Lead for the region’s LHIN.

Lees, who has worked as an ER doctor and held management roles in health care over 20 years, will “work with the Erie St. Clair LHIN to ensure that primary care services are better integrated with the work of other health sectors,” a statement released by the LHIN said.

“Health care starts with primary care. Dr. Lees will play an important role in helping to ruther brind a local focus to primary care,” said Gary Switzer, CEO of the Erie St. Clair LHIN.

Speaking at a lunch with the Windsor Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, Matthews said the Erie St. Clair LHIN has been No. 1 among the province’s LHINs in helping residents access family doctors.

But NDP MPP for Essex Taras Natyshak called for a moratorium on expanding the LHINs’ role until a full review is conducted.

“A review is essential before expanding the powers of the LHINs,” Natyshak said in a statement released on Friday. “We need to see what’s working and what’s not. This is a classic example of ready, fire, aim. Adding new powers without a review is irresponsible.”

LHINs were created in 2006 and were meant to undergo a comprehensive review in 2010. Matthews explained the review process was delayed because long-term care was brought under LHIN umbrella and some time was needed for that adjustment to take place.

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Role of LHINs to expand under new health action plan, local MPP calls for halt until LHINs are fully reviewed

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